Mining machine



Oct. 25, 1932. M p. HOLMES MINING MACHINE Fled March 26, 1930 Patented Oct. `?5, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENTy OFFICE.

MORRIS P. HOLMES, OF CLAREMONT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, ASSIGNOR TO SULLIVAN i MACHINERY COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS,

MINING MACHINE Application filed March 26, 1930. Serial No. 439,187.

This invention relates to mining machines and more particularly has reference to improvements in the feeding mechanism of such machines.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved mining machine feeding mechanism. Another object is to provide an in iproved iexible feeding mechanism wherein a feed operating member cooperating with a flexible feeding element effects feed of the machine. A further object is to provide an improved feed member controlling means whereby the feed member maybe entirely disconnected from its drive mechanism in an improved manner. Yet'another object is to provide an improved miningmachine feeding mechanism wherein the feed member is driven under the control of a clutch and has associated therewith improved means for entirely relieving the feed member from the action of the clutch. Another object is to provide in a mining machine feeding mechanism wherein the feed member is driven under the control of multiple disc clutches, im-

proved elutch devices controlled by the operating means for the disc clutches forentirely disconecting the feed member from its drive upon release of the multiple disc clutches, thereby relieving the feed member entirely from the action of the clutch discs to permit free rotation of the feed member. These and other objects and advantages of this invention will, however, hereinafter more fully appear.

In the accompanying drawing there is shown for purposes of illustration one form which the invention may assume in practice.

In this drawing,-

Fig. 1 isa plan view, partially shown in horizontal section, of an illustrative embodiment of the improved feeding mechanism.

Fig. 2 is a detail vertical section view taken substantially on line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a detail sectional View illustrating the operating means for the speed controlling clutches.

Fig. l is a detail sectional view illustrating one of the clutch plungeis shown in Fig. 2 in transverse section.

In this illustrative .embodiment of the invention the improved feed member control-4 ling means is shown embodied in a mining machine feeding mechanism of the same general character as that disclosed in my copending application Ser. No. 367,894, filed June 3, 1929. This feeding mechanism generally comprises a feed frame section 1 having journaled thereon feed operating and controlling members 2 and 3 herein in the form of cable winding or haulage drums driven through a plural speed selective transmission from a motor el. As described in the application mentioned above, the motor 4 is adapted to effect drive, through the selective transmission, of

the feed members in winding direction eitherV separately or simultaneously at relativelyhigh speed or at relatively low speed. The transmission mechanism between the motor and each of the feed drums is substantially identical in structure and therefore a descrip-A tion of one will suflice. As shown in Fig. 1, fixed to the motor shaft 5 is a spur pinion 6 driving through an intermediate gear 7 a spur gear 8 fixed to a horizontal longitudinally extending shaft 9. Fixed to this shaft '9 in longitudinally spaced relation thereon and' driven by the shaft are coaxial worms, one ofwhich is designated 10. The worm 10 meshes with a worm wheel 11 fixed to a vertical shaft 12 which drives a worm 13 meshing with a slow speed worm wheel 11i joui'- naled on a transversely extending horizontal hollow shaft 15 suitably journaled within the feed frame section. Arranged coaxially within and rotatably supported by the hollow shaft 15 and connectible with the hollow shaft in an improved manner as hereinafterdescribed is a shaft 16 having secured thereto a spur pinion 17 meshing with an internal gear 18 secured to the feed drum. The other coaxial worm (which is' not shown in the drawing) meshes directly with a fast speed worm wheel 19 likewise journaled on the hollow shaft 15. These worm wheels 14 and 19 are `alternatively connectible with the hollow shaft 15 by multiple disc clutches 2O and 2.1l respectively. It will thus be seen that when one or the other of the disc clutches 20, 21 is applied and the shaft 16 is connected for rotation with the hollow'shaft` 15, the feed ieu drum may be driven in winding direction at relatively high speed or at relatively low speed, depending upon which of the disc clutches is applied.

Now referring to the improved operating means for the friction clutches and more particularly to the improved means controlled thereby for connectingthe 'shafts 15, 16 together, it will be noted that interposed between the clutches andsurrounding the shaft 15 is a clutch applying member 22 with which a shipper yoke 23 pivoted at 24 on the feed frame section cooperates. This shipper yoke has a lateral arm 25 projecting within a notch or recess 26 formed in a ls'lidable actu ating rod 27. This rod. is slidably guided within the feed frame section andis splined at 28 to the feed frame to prevent rotation thereof about its aXis. throughout a portion of its length and is connected to a rotatable adjustingnut 30 rotatably supported by theV feed frame.

Formed on this nut is a bevel gear 31 mesh-y ing with a bevel gear 432 fixed to a longitudinally extending shaft-33 rotatably supported within a bracket 34 secured to. the rear end wall of the feed frame. the outer end of this shaft -is an operating handle 35. The clutch applyingmember 22 is connected through an antifriction bearing 36 toy an annular clutch member 37 slidably` mounted on` an enlarged cylindrical portion 38 formed on the hollow shaft 15 interme diate its ends. The end surfaces of the meinber 37 are adapted to engage plungers 39 carried within the adjacent verticalend plates of the worm wheels 14, 19. vWhen the clutch applying member is shifted in one direction or the other, one orthe othervof the sets of plungers 39 is engaged thereby to effect application of the disc clutch. It will'thus be seen that when the handle 35 is rotated, rotation of the nut 30 imparts axial'movement to the rod 27 in one direction or the other to swing the shipperyoke 23 about its pivot, and asa result, the clutch applying member 22, together with the member 37, are shifted into one or the other of their operating positions. In the present construction, the clutch member. 37 is internally grooved at 40 and is provided with oppositely disposed inclined cam surfaces 41 andl 42. Projecting within the groove 40 in the clutch member when the latter is in the position shown in F ig. 1 are clutch plungers 43 slidably mounted withinv radial chambers 44 formed in the enlarged intermediate'portion 38 of the shaft 15. Each of these plung-` ers is grooved atv 45 at its opposite sides to form recesses within which springs 46 are arranged, the latter tending to hold the clutch plungers 43 in their outermost or released position. The inner ends of theseplungers when in the position shown inFig. 2, engage slots or grooves 47 cut in the shaft 16. Each This rod is threaded at 29y Secured to 1 '20 Yand 21 arehbth released. At this time,

the feed drum may rotate freely relative to its vdrive mechanism, the shaft 16 upon rotation of the` drum turning freely within the hollow shaft v15. W hen it is desired to effect drive of the feed drum in winding direction at a relatively slowl speed, the clutch member 22 is shifted upon suitable manipulationof the operating handle 35 in the directionv to cause the inclined cam surface 41 on the inember 37 to force the clutch plungers 43 inwardly into interlocking engagement with the grooves on the shaft 16, thereby connecting the shaft 16 to the shaft 15.- Upon further movement of the clutch member, the plungers 39 are engaged and the discs of the clutch 2O forced into their engaged position. lVhen the clutch memberf22 is shifted in the opposite direction, the friction clutch20 is releasedV and thereafter the `shaft 16 disconnected from the sha-ft 15. Upon further movement of the clutch member 2.2.the inclined cam surface 42 moves theclutch plung-v ers into their connected position and thereafter the'friction clutch 21 Ais applied. Heretofore it has been found that without the provision of the clutch devices between the shafts 15, 16 drag rotationwas imparted by the clutch discs of. the clutches 20, 21, even when the latter were in their released position, which caused the feed drum to rotate. Under certain conditions,rfor instance when themotor 4 was reversed, it has been found that the drag of theclutch discs, even when in their released position, was sutcient to cause the feed drums to rotate to unwind the feed cables and with some danger of causing the latter to become tangledand twisted. By the provision of the clutch device between the friction clutches and the drive shaft 16 it is possible, when this clutch device` is released, to entirely relieve the feed drum from any action of the clutch discs, so that when the clutch operating means is in its neutral position the feed drum remains stationary or may be freely rotated. This -is an especially desirable `feature when it is desired to unwind the feedvcable from the feed drum by hand. These and otheruses and advantages of the improved feed drum control means will be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art.

While T have in this. application specifically described one form which my invention may assume in practice, it will be understood that this form of the same is shown for purposes of illustration and that the invention may be modified and embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit or the scope of the appended claims.

. What I claim as new and desire to secure` therefor, and separate clutch `means controlled by said clutch operating means for insuring disconnection of said4 feed member from said driving mechanismwhenever said 1V; clutch operating means `is moved into its clutch releasing position.

2; In a mining machine feeding mechanism, theicombination of` a feed member, driving mechanism therefor includiiiga multipledisc clutch and operatingmeans therefor, andmeans distinct from said clutch and controllable to establish or interrupt a driving relation and controlled by said clutch operating means for insuring disconnection of said feed member. from said .driving mechanism whenever said clutch operating means is moved into-its clutch releasing position to entirely relieve said feed member from any action of said clutch.

3.,In a mining machine feeding mechanism, the-combination of a feed member, driving mechanism therefor including a multiple disc clutch andV operating means for said clutch, and means distinct from said i clutch and controllable to establish or interrupt a driving relation and controlled by said clutch operating means for insuring disconnection 'of said feed member from said drivingmeclianism whenever said clutch operating means ismoved into its clutch releasing position to relieve-said feed member entirely from the action of the discs of said clutch when said clutch is released by said operating means. l

4; In a miningmachine feeding mechanism, the combination of afeed member, driving mechanism therefor including a multiple disc clutch and operating means for said clutch, and means controlled by said clutch 150,11 operating means and including a releasable interlocking device for insuring disconnection of said feed member from said driving mechanism Whenever said clutch operating means is moved into its clutch releasing po- 5sition to relieve said feed member from any action of. the discs of said clutch when said clutch is released by said operating means.

5. In a mining machine feeding mechanism, the combination of a feed member, 99,; driving mechanism therefor including a controlling clutch and releasable interlocking devices in the drive between said clutch and said feed member, and a common operating element for controlling said clutch and said in- ,Ggterlocking devices for insuring connection of j ing acontrolling clutch and operating means.

said interlocking devices prior to the application of said clutch.

6. In a mining machine feeding mechanism, the combination of a feed member, driving mechanism therefor including a con-A trolling clutch and releasable interlocking devices in the drive between said clutch and said feed member, and a common operating element for controlling said clutch and said interlocking devices, said common Vcontrol member'when moved in one direction first connecting said'` interlocking devices and thereafter applying said clutch.

7. In a mining machine feeding mechanism, the combination of a feed member, driving mechanism therefor including coaxial.

relatively rotatable driving elements, means for effecting rotation of one of said elements including a controlling clutch, devices for connecting said elements together for simultaneous rotation, and means for controlling said clutch and said devices insuring connection of said connecting devices prior to the application of said clutch.

8. In a mining machine feeding mechanism, the combination of a feed member, driving mechanism therefor including coaxial relatively rotatable driving elements, means for effecting rotation of one of said elements including a controlling clutch, devices for connecting said elements together for simul-V taneous rotation, and' means for controlling said clutch and said devices and operative to" first actuate said devices to connect saidelements together and thereafter to apply said clutch in a fixed and definite sequence. y

9. In a mining machine feeding mechanism, the combination of a feed' member, driving mechanism therefor including coaxial relatively rotatable driving elements,operative driving connections between one of said elements and said feed member, means forV effecting rotation of said other element vin-` cluding a'controlling clutch coaxial with said elements devices for connecting said elements together for simultaneous rotation, and com,- nion operating means for controlling said clutch and' said devices.

10. In a mining machine feeding mechanism, the combination of a feed member, driving i mechanism therefor including coaxial relatively rotatable driving elements, opera:- tive driving connections between one of saidv` elements and said feed member, means for effecting rotation of said other member including a controlling clutch, devices for connecting said elements together for simultaneous rotation, and means for controlling said clutch and said devices and operative to first actuate said devices to connect said members together and thereafter to apply said clutch in a fixed and definite sequence.

11. In a mining machine feeding mechanism, the combination of a feed member and" driving mechanism therefor including coaxil.

ico

ally .arranged shafts,-means for effecting rotation of one of said shafts including a controlling clutch, devices for connecting said shafts together for simultaneous rotation,

and means for operating said clutch and actuating said devices includinga common operating element coaxial with said' shafts.

12. In a mining machine feeding mechanism, the combina-tion of a feed member,

i0? and driving mechanism therefor including means for operating said 'clutch and actuating said devices and operative. to first actuate said devices to connect said shafts together and thereafter to apply said clutch in a fixed and definite sequence.

13. In a mining machine feeding mechanism, the combination of a feed member,.and

driving mechanism therefor including coaxial f relatively rotatable shafts relative to which saidfeed member is rotatable, opera- 'itive connections between one'of said shafts and said feed member, and means for effecting rotation of the other of said shafts including a controlling clutch coaxial with said shafts and through which power is transmitted to drive the shaft controlled thereby,

devices for connecting said shafts together for simultaneous rotation, and common means' for operating said clutch and actuating said devices.

*14. In a mining machine feeding mechanism, the combination of a feed member, and driving mechanism therefor including coaxial relatively rotatable shafts, operative connections between one of said shafts and said feed member, and means for effecting rotation of the other of said'shafts including a controlling clutch, devices for connecting said shafts together for simultaneous rotation, and means for operating said clutch and actuating said devices and operative to first actuate said devices to connect said shafts together and thereafter to apply said clutch in a fixed and definite sequence.

. 15. In a mining machine feeding mechanism, the combination of a feed member, and

driving mechanism therefor including a plurality of controlling clutches, one operative tov effect drive ofsaid feed member at one speed and the other at a different speed, devices coaxial with said clutches and between said clu'tches'and said feed member for connect-ing the latter to its drive,and common means for controlling said clutches and actuating said devices.

16. In a mining machine feeding mechanism, the combination of a feed member, and driving mechanism therefor including a pluralityof controlling clutches, one operative to effect drive of said feed member at one speed andthe other at a different speeddevices between said clutches and said feed member for connecting the latter to its drive, and means for controlling said clutches and actuating said devices and operative, in a fixed and definite sequence, first to actuate said devices to connect said feed member to its drive and thereafter to apply one or the other of said clutches.

17. In a mining machine feeding mechanism, the combination of a feed member, and driving mechanism therefor including coaxial 'relatively rotatable elements, means for effecting rotation of one of said elements at either of two speeds including a plurality of controlling clutches, devices coaxial with said clutches for connecting said coaxial elements together-for simultaneous rotation, and common means for actuating said devices and controlling said clutches.

18. In a mining machine feeding mechanism, the combination of a feed member, and

driving mechanism therefor including coax-l ial relatively rotatable elements, means for effecting rotation of one of said elements at either of two speeds including a plurality of controlling clutches, devices for connecting said coaxial elements together for simultaneous rotation, and means for actuating said devices and controlling said clutches and operative, in a fixedand definite sequence, first to first act-uate said devices to connect said elements together and thereafter to apply one or the other of said clutches.

19. In a mining machine feeding mechanism, the combination of a feed member, and driving mechanism therefor including coaxial relatively rotatable shafts, driving conf nections between one of said shafts and said feed member, mechanism for effecting rotation of said other shaft at either of two speeds including a plurality of controlling clutches coaxial with said shafts, devices for connecting said shafts together for simultaneous rotation, and common means for actuating said devices and for controlling said clutches.

20. In a mining machine feeding mechanism, the combination of a feed member, and driving mechanism therefor including coaxial relatively rotatable shafts, driving connections between one of said shafts and said feed member, mechanism for effecting rotation of said other shaft at either of two speeds including a plurality of controlling clutches, devices for connecting said shafts together for simultaneous rotation, and means for actuating said devices and for controlling said clutches and operative, in a fixed and definite sequence, first to first actuate said devices to connect said shafts together and thereafter to apply one or the other of said clutches.

21. In a mining machine feeding mechanism, thecombination of a feed member, driving mechanism therefor including a controlling clutch and connecting devices in the drive between said clutch and said feed member,

and a common operating element for controlling said clutch and said connecting devices, said common controlling operating element when moved in one direction first connecting said connecting devices and thereafter applying said clutch.

22. In a mining machine feeding 'mechanism, the combination of a feed member, driving mechanism therefor including relatively 1 rotatable transmission elements, operative connections between one of said elements and said feed member, means for effecting rotation of the other element including a friction controlling clutch, means including interlocking clutch plungers for connecting said transmission elements directly together, and clutch controlling means for insuring release of said friction clutch and thereafter release of said clutch plungers to permit free relative rota- `tion between said transmission elements.

23. In a mining machine feeding mechanism7 the combination of a feed member, driving mechanism therefor including relatively rotatable transmission shafts, operative driving connections between one of said shafts and said feed member, means for effecting rotation of the other of said shafts including a friction controlling clutch7 means including interlocking clutch plungers carried by one of said shafts for connecting said shafts directly together, and clutch operating means for insuring release of said friction clutch and thereafter release of said clutch plungers to permit free relative rotation between said 85 shafts.

24. In a mining machine feeding mechanism, the combination of a feed member, driving mechanism therefor including relatively rotatable transmission shafts arranged in concentric relation one within the other, operative driving connections between one of said shafts and said feed member, means for effecting rotation of the other of said shafts including a friction controlling clutch, means including interlocking clutch plungers carried by one of said shafts for connecting said shafts directly together, and clutch operating means for insuring release of said friction clutch and thereafter release of said clutch 60 plungers to permit free relative rotation between said shafts.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

MORRIS P. HOLMES. 

